Hezbollah-Inspired Act of Terrorism Targets Michigan Synagogue
For the first time, a recent act of violence at a Michigan synagogue is being officially identified as a terrorist act stimulated by the Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran and labeled as a foreign terror organization by the U.S. since 1997.
Ayman Ghazali, a U.S. citizen originally from Lebanon, used a truck packed with explosives to attack Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, near Detroit. Investigators reported that Ghazali also had a rifle and took his own life after a firefight with the synagogue's security.
Attack Linked to Hezbollah
According to the U.S. Attorney for District of Eastern Michigan, Ghazali's act was a form of material support for Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorism crime under federal law. Ghazali, who had been living in Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and working at a local restaurant, became a citizen in 2016.
Ghazali had two brothers who were part of Hezbollah's rocket unit in Lebanon. They, along with other family members, were killed in a drone strike by Israel Defense Forces targeting Hezbollah outposts. Following the drone strike, Ghazali had started recording videos of himself talking about becoming a martyr, which he then sent to his family in Lebanon.
Intent to Kill
Shortly before the attack, Ghazali recorded a video where he expressed his desire to "kill as many of them as I possibly can", according to the special agent heading the FBI Detroit Field Office. Ghazali's online search history also showed that he was looking for the largest gathering of Israelis in Michigan.
Hezbollah's history dates back to the 1983 attack on U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, where they used a massive truck bomb. The attorney pointed out that Ghazali's act was similar to this attack.
The Jewish Federation of Detroit expressed their distress over the attack on Temple Israel, stating, "It is deeply troubling to learn that the attack on Temple Israel is now a confirmed act of terrorism that targeted our Jewish community, including our children."
Increased Security for Jewish Community
With the upcoming Passover holiday, law enforcement agencies are planning to increase their presence at synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other related sites. This precautionary measure is meant to deter potential violent attacks and acts of terrorism.
Ghazali had documented his plan to "kill Jews and burn their world" in videos recorded on his phone, which was recovered from the attack scene. Investigators also found his search history going back to January, which included pro-Hezbollah news, live coverage of Naim Qassem, and news about an Iranian fatwa for jihad against the U.S. military.
Damage and Injuries
Temple Israel, one of the largest synagogues in the country and the largest in Michigan, was significantly damaged by fire during the attack. Thanks to the synagogue's sprinkler system, the fire was not as extensive as it could have been.
During the attack, classes were in session at the synagogue's early childhood center. Fortunately, no children, teachers, or staff were injured. However, a security guard was hospitalized after being hit by Ghazali's vehicle, and several first responders were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital.